Breastfeeding and the prevention of infection

Abstract

Breast milk has a significant importance in the prevention of infections. It contains immunological components that make it unique and inimitable. Following birth, the gastrointestinal and immunologic systems of the newborn adapt to extrauterine life by undergoing a process of maturation and development. Breastfeeding should be fostered, protected and supported. Nonetheless there are rare and well-defined situations of maternal infections in which breastfeeding is counter-indicated. Such is the case of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The risk of the infant contracting HIV is increasing in populations with high prevalence of HIV lacking economic conditions, hygiene and medical support. When making the decision concerning breastfeeding, mothers should take into account both its benefits and the risks of disease transmission. The health care professional should inform, guide and support HIV positive mothers making the choice of infant feeding that is the most safe in their situation. The replacement of breast milk is recommended whenever acceptable, feasible, available, sustainable and safe. This is the most appropriate option given the fact that the baby's survival is high. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is found in breast milk.The infection of the fetus or infant can occur through mothers with primary infection or in the course of reactivation. The vaccine of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is very effective. In mothers with the hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBs Ag), breastfeeding is not restricted.